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Indoor mould testing in a historic building: Blickling Hall
Yasemin Didem Aktas1,2, Jiaqi Shi1, Nigel Blades3
1University College London (UCL) Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Epicentre Research Group, Chadwick Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK.
Heritage Science
|July 2, 2019
Summary
Indoor mould growth is a concern in heritage buildings. Testing at Blickling Hall found low airborne mould but high surface mould activity near windows, indicating a need for improved cleaning to manage condensation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Building Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Indoor mould growth poses risks to occupants and heritage structures.
- Heritage organizations like the National Trust implement maintenance strategies to mitigate mould.
- Blickling Hall, a National Trust property, was selected for a comprehensive mould assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate airborne and surface mould levels within Blickling Hall.
- To assess the effectiveness of existing National Trust maintenance programs.
- To identify specific areas requiring improved strategies for mould risk reduction.
Main Methods:
- Conducted an extensive mould-testing scheme across eight rooms, including the Long Gallery.
- Employed a combined protocol of active air sampling and surface sampling.
- Quantified mould levels using β-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAHA) activity analysis and particle counting.
Main Results:
- Airborne mould levels were generally low throughout the studied spaces.
- Effective control of surface mould was observed in historically problematic areas due to maintenance.
- High surface NAHA activity was detected around windows, linked to condensation-driven surface water.
Conclusions:
- Satisfactory hygrothermal conditions maintained by conservation heating contribute to low airborne mould.
- National Trust's maintenance programs are effective in preventing mould in concealed areas.
- Enhanced surface cleaning protocols around windows are necessary to address condensation and associated mould risks.
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